The photographer stands at a slight distance below the archway, placing the “Lanman Green Corridor” plaque in the center of the frame, with lanterns and green plants symmetrically distributed on either side to enhance the sense of balance. The composition includes the wooden archway structure, a blue sky background, and the green plants below, highlighting the theme and the ambient environment.

Nanman Hutong - Nanman Green Corridor Archway and Lanterns

Use a centered composition to place the large red rose at the center of the frame, highlighting the visual impact of the main subject. Shoot from a straight-on angle to ensure the rose is perfectly centered and not tilted. The framing should include the background of the gray-tiled rooftops and the red door of the胡同 (hutong), adding green leaves to enhance the depth. It is recommended to use a telephoto lens to compress the background, emphasize the details of the rose, and blur out distractions to keep the image clean.

Lanman Hutong - trees decorated with large red roses

Using a frame-within-a-frame composition, the arched passageway serves as the foreground frame, highlighting the intricately carved details at the top. The model is positioned at the right one-third of the frame, sitting sideways on the stone steps against the wall, with her hand resting lightly on her leg, adopting a natural and relaxed pose. The shot is taken from a straight-on angle, with the background incorporating ancient architectural doors and greenery to add depth and layers. The foreground arch edges are blurred to enhance the sense of depth.

Lanman Hutong - Shooting the Archway Passage

Photo by Lanman Hutong - Wall with Cherry Blossom Trees

Lanman Hutong - Wall with Cherry Blossom Trees

The photographer stands inside the hutong alley, using a level angle to highlight the layered composition of the tree decorated with flower bouquets and the green trees above. The framing should include the main subject, the buildings on both sides, the top green trees, and the stone-paved path in the foreground, preserving the unique elements of the hutong. It is recommended to use a medium to long focal length lens to compress the space and emphasize the details of the subject. Admission is free.

Nanman Hutong - Red walls and blooming flowers decorate the alleyways.

Photo by Lanman Hutong - Heart-shaped Installation Tree Architecture

Lanman Hutong - Heart-shaped Installation Tree Architecture

Use an upward angle to shoot the sculpture from below, highlighting the three-dimensional feel of the cat. Place the two Maneki-neko cats slightly to the right of the center of the frame, capturing them in their entirety from head to feet. Balance the composition by leaving some space on both sides. Include green leaves in the background and the edge of a brick wall in the foreground to enhance the depth of the environment.

Additional tips: Respect local residents' lives. If your shooting involves private courtyards or windows, obtain permission first to avoid causing disturbance.

Lanman Hutong - Two Cat Sculptures

Using a telephoto lens or 5x zoom on a smartphone, the photographer stands under a tree and shoots upwards. The composition is centered, with the heart-shaped balloon placed in the middle of the frame to highlight the red subject and the phrase “Romantic Rendezvous.” The shot includes the tree trunk, branches, and part of the surrounding alley buildings to enhance the environmental ambiance.

Lanman Hutong - Meet in the Romantic Heart-shaped Balloons

The model stands at the center of a red door wall, using a centered composition to highlight the subject against the red background. The shot is taken from a straight-on angle, with the model's hands naturally outstretched toward the "Fu" character decorations on either side, enhancing the interactive feel. The frame includes the left "Fu" character door, the right decorative wall, and the wooden floor in the foreground, capturing the full scene in detail.

Travel Tip: Admission is free.

Lanman Hutong - Take a photo with the red exhibit wall.

The model stands in front of the coffee shop without crossing the yellow line, and the photographer shoots from about 1.5 meters away, lowering the camera angle to capture some blue sky.

For dynamic shots: Capture the model walking confidently in front of the coffee shop, and consider having them order a coffee and hold the cup while shooting for more engaging photos.

Vehicles can pass through the alley, so be mindful of safety during the shoot.

Lanman Hutong - OONAGH Coffee Shop Entrance